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Uncertainties in the NICU: a scoping review to inform a tailored taxonomy

Journal of Perinatology volume 45, pages 713–725 (2025)Cite this article

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Abstract

Our objective was to conduct a scoping review of the literature to inform a modified taxonomy of uncertainty in the NICU, for the purpose of better identifying and defining different experiences of uncertainty for parents and medical teams. We conducted a systematic literature search for studies examining an element of uncertainty in the NICU. Data extraction was guided by Han’s taxonomy of uncertainty and a thematic analysis informed the modified taxonomy. We included 55 articles, leading to three major alterations of Han’s taxonomy. We believe this modified taxonomy of uncertainty in the NICU provides a more nuanced understanding of the specific uncertainties faced in this context, leading to a better understanding of the different needs of families and medical teams. It also highlights the need for targeted strategies to further explore and manage these uncertainties.

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Fig. 1: Han’s taxonomy of uncertainty in healthcare.
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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Paul Han for his review of this manuscript and recommendations. They would also like to thank Ms. Rachel Montes, MS, MLS, medical librarian for Brooke Army Medical Center, for her assistance with the search strategy for this review. The views expressed in this material are those of the authors, and do not reflect the official policy or position of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Army.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Jeanne A. Krick

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA

    Erin L. Rholl

  3. Division of Neonatology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Katherine Press Callahan

  4. Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Katherine Press Callahan

  5. Division of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Kelly W. Harris

  6. Treuman Katz Center for Pediatric Bioethics and Palliative Care, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA

    Elliott Mark Weiss

  7. Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA

    Elliott Mark Weiss

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  1. Jeanne A. Krick
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  2. Erin L. Rholl
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  3. Katherine Press Callahan
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  4. Kelly W. Harris
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  5. Elliott Mark Weiss
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Contributions

JK conceptualized the project, designed the data collection tool, conducted all phases of the article review and data collection, performed the thematic synthesis, developed the refined taxonomy, drafted the manuscript, and approved the final submission. ER contributed to the conceptualization of the project and data collection tool, conducted full article review and data collection, contributed to the thematic synthesis, developed the refined taxonomy, edited several drafts of the manuscript, designed the article tables, and approved the final submission. KPC contributed to the conceptualization of the project and data collection tool, conducted full article review and data collection, contributed to the thematic synthesis, developed the refined taxonomy, edited several drafts of the manuscript, designed some of the article figures, and approved the final submission. KH contributed to the conceptualization of the project and data collection tool, conducted full article review and data collection, contributed to the thematic synthesis, developed the refined taxonomy, edited several drafts of the manuscript, and approved the final submission. EMW contributed to the conceptualization of the project and data collection tool, conducted full article review and data collection, contributed to the thematic synthesis, developed the refined taxonomy, edited several drafts of the manuscript, and approved the final submission.

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Correspondence to Jeanne A. Krick.

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Krick, J.A., Rholl, E.L., Callahan, K.P. et al. Uncertainties in the NICU: a scoping review to inform a tailored taxonomy. J Perinatol 45, 713–725 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-025-02299-w

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